Mathcamp

Grades

Open to all high school students (and younger/older students ages 13-18 interested in mathematics)

Age

Ages 13 through 18 (inclusive)

Citizenship

International students welcome; students from Canada and USA primarily, but accepts students worldwide

Prerequisites

Must have completed Precalculus (either in school or through independent study); no specific grades or test scores required

Steps

1. Create an account on appsys.mathcamp.org application portal
2. Complete the Qualifying Quiz (5-10 challenging math problems designed to showcase thinking)
3. Submit mathematical background information (courses taken, mathematical experiences inside and outside school)
4. Optional: Submit supplementary materials if desired
5. Wait for admissions decision after deadline

Materials Needed

• Online application form (no fee)
• Qualifying Quiz responses (submitted online)
• Description of mathematical background and experience
• Valid email address

Timeline

Applications open mid-January; deadline is typically late February (2026 deadline: February 23); decision notifications come prior to summer program start

Cost

Free application; program cost not specified in research but typical residential math camps range $3,000-$8,000

What Judges Look For

• Deep mathematical thinking and problem-solving ability (demonstrated through Qualifying Quiz)
• Passion for mathematics and intellectual curiosity
• How applicants approach challenging, novel problems
• Mathematical maturity and proof-based reasoning
• Breadth and depth of mathematical background
• Evidence of sustained engagement with mathematics outside formal curriculum
• Potential to benefit from and contribute to the Mathcamp community

Scoring

Primary evaluation is through the Qualifying Quiz, which judges how applicants think about mathematics. Quiz is not designed like a competition—it's about demonstrating mathematical reasoning and curiosity, not speed or pre-existing knowledge.

Common Mistakes

• Spending too little time on problems—quiz is designed for deep, sustained engagement; problems should 'nag you in the shower'
• Trying to solve problems too quickly without exploring them thoroughly
• Having weak English communication skills or discomfort in English (program is entirely in English)
• Insufficient mathematical background (Precalculus completion is required)
• Not explaining mathematical thinking clearly in quiz solutions
• Rushing application without genuine engagement with problems

Acceptance Rate

Not publicly disclosed, but highly selective; based on online research, estimated to be 20-40% acceptance rate (specific 2024-2025 figures unavailable)

Applicants

Not publicly available; appears to receive several hundred applications annually

Winners / Selected

Approximately 75-80 students selected each summer (based on 2026 program at Champlain College suggesting similar capacity)

• Start the Qualifying Quiz early and spend substantial time on each problem—these are meant to be deeply engaging, not quick exercises
• Show your mathematical thinking and reasoning process; how you approach problems is as important as the final answer
• Don't rush the application; the Qualifying Quiz is the centerpiece and demonstrates what you can do mathematically
• Be thorough in describing your mathematical background—include both formal coursework and independent exploration
• Focus on demonstrating genuine curiosity and passion for mathematics rather than trying to impress with advanced topics
• If problems stick with you and keep nagging you (even in the shower), that's a good sign you're engaging at the right level
• Make sure your English is completely comfortable for both mathematical and social interaction—this is essential for the residential program
• Consider looking at past Qualifying Quiz problems to understand the style and difficulty level
• Emphasize experiences where you discovered or explored mathematics on your own, not just classroom success
• Be authentic in your application; Mathcamp looks for genuine mathematical thinkers, not just high achievers

How to Prepare

• Review Precalculus material thoroughly to ensure solid foundation
• Practice problem-solving with challenging, non-standard problems (not just textbook exercises)
• Explore mathematical topics beyond your current curriculum (Linear Algebra, Number Theory, Combinatorics, etc.)
• Work through past Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz problems (available on their website)
• Develop clear mathematical writing and explanation skills
• Engage with mathematics for genuine understanding, not just to solve problems
• Read mathematics books or watch lectures on topics of interest
• Attempt competition math problems (AMC, AIME) to practice novel problem-solving
• Prepare to articulate your mathematical background and experiences clearly

Resources

• Past Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz problems (available on mathcamp.org)
• Mathcamp instructors' solutions and explanations (posted online)
• Art and Craft of Problem Solving by Paul Zeitz
• How to Solve It by George Pólya
• 3Blue1Brown YouTube channel (advanced math visualization)
• Khan Academy (Precalculus and beyond)
• AMC and AIME past problems and solutions
• Books on Number Theory, Combinatorics, Graph Theory for exploration
• Mathcamp FAQ and student testimonials on their website

Time Needed

Ideally start preparing 3-6 months before application deadline. Spend 1-2 hours per week exploring mathematics beyond curriculum, and begin Qualifying Quiz 4-6 weeks before deadline to allow time for deep engagement with problems.

Successful Mathcamp applicants are mathematically talented students who demonstrate genuine curiosity and deep thinking about mathematics. They typically have completed Precalculus and often have explored mathematics beyond the standard curriculum. They don't need to be Olympiad winners or competition champions—what matters is showing mathematical maturity, the ability to tackle novel problems, and passion for the subject. Many past students have mathematical interests but weren't necessarily the 'top' students in their schools; rather, they're students who love mathematics and think deeply about it.

Mathcamp is highly prestigious and well-regarded by college admissions officers as evidence of mathematical talent, genuine intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning. Attending Mathcamp demonstrates that a student is serious about mathematics and capable of advanced work. It's valuable for students pursuing STEM fields, particularly mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering. Admissions officers recognize it as a selective program that requires both mathematical ability and genuine passion. The experience and connections made at Mathcamp can strengthen college applications and provide material for essays and interviews. Alumni of Mathcamp have gone on to top universities and mathematics programs.

• Simons Summer Research Program — Tier 2, summer program
• Elite Contest Coaching for Canada's Top Math Students — Tier 2, competition
• Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) — Tier 2, competition
• Dr. Charis Eng Monell Science Apprenticeship Program — Tier 2, summer program
• WOOT (Worldwide Online Olympiad Training) — Tier 2, enrichment